Abdominal rigidity

Abdominal rigidity is stiffness of the muscles in the belly area, which can be felt when touched or pressed.

Considerations

When there is a sore area inside the belly or abdomen, the pain will get worse when a hand presses against muscles of the abdomen.

Your fear or nervousness about being touched (palpated) may cause this symptom, but there should be no pain.

If you have pain when you are touched and you tighten the muscles to "guard" against more pain, it is more likely caused by a physical condition inside your body. The condition may affect one or both sides of your body.

Abdominal rigidity may occur along with:

Abdominal tenderness

Nausea

Pain

Swelling

Vomiting

Common Causes

Abscess inside the abdomen

Appendicitis

Cholecystitis caused by gallstones

Hole that develops through the entire wall of the stomach, small intestine, large bowel, or gallbladder (gastrointestinal perforation)

Injury to the abdomen

Peritonitis

Home Care

Call your health care provider if

All forms of involuntary rigidity and rebound tenderness (pain when the abdomen is gently pressed and then the pressure is released) need immediate medical attention, preferably in an emergency room. You may need surgery.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

You will probably be seen in an emergency room instead of at your doctor's office.

The health care providerwill perform a physical examination. The physical examination may include a pelvic (and possibly a rectal) examination.

The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, such as:

When did they first start?

What other symptoms do you have at the same time? For example, do you have abdominal pain?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Barium studies of the stomach and intestines (such as an upper GI series)

Blood tests

Colonoscopy

Gastroscopy

Peritoneal lavage

Stool studies

Urine tests

X-ray of the abdomen

X-ray of the chest

You will probably not be given any pain relievers until a diagnosis is made. Pain relievers can hide your symptoms.